A NEW nursery building catering for up to 100 children is planned for the playground of a busy primary school.

East Lothian Council has revealed proposals for an expansion of Windygoul Primary School Nursery, in Tranent, which would more than double the current capacity.

A spokesperson for the local authority told the Courier that the single-storey building was planned as “part of our work to manage supply and demand for early learning and childcare spaces in East Lothian”.

The primary school, on the town’s Brotherstone’s Way, opened in August 2007 and is currently home to 24 P1-7 classes, as well as catering for up to 96 youngsters over two nursery sessions.

However, the population of Tranent is increasing, with a neighbouring development at Windygoul South.

The council spokesperson said: “The nursery has been designed to accommodate 50 children [at each session].

“On approach, the building will have a covered entrance, with the internal accommodation comprising of staff office, parents’ room, snack kitchen, large play area with reading nook, quiet area and general hygiene facilities throughout.

“The new landscaped rear garden has a covered external play area and has been designed to form a connection between the existing nursery facility and the proposed one, which in turn will serve both buildings with a covered walkway connecting both.”

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, welcomed the plans.

He said: “This is something that is badly needed for Tranent and I am delighted to see the plans brought forward.

“We as a community council have been supporters of the plan since they were first talked about and we are happy to see things progressing.”

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, added: “I support these plans and think the additional space has been desperately needed.

“I have previously said that we as a council need to ensure we are building schools with enough capacity to cover the local area.

“In the case of Windygoul, the school was not big enough when it was built.

“That is on us as a council and something that should be addressed going forward with other schools.”

The application has been submitted by the local authority to its own planning department.

A decision on the proposals is expected before the end of this month.